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Monday, November 26, 2007

Chesapeake Judge Opens Records

A judge has ruled in favor of The Virginian-Pilot in a civil action against the city for its failure to comply with the Freedom of Information Act.

Circuit Judge V. Thomas Forehand Jr., in a written opinion, directed the city to turn over to the newspaper records of property damage and other liability claims against the city.

The judge also ruled that the city's attempt to charge the newspaper $178.53 for supplying the records "was not proper."

The newspaper filed the action in September after making several FOIA requests to the city for records regarding general liability claims and automobile claims paid by the city.